The Wellington Firebirds are the 2018 Ford Trophy champions 2018 after winning a nail-biting final against the Otago Volts at University Oval.
Hosts Otago won the toss and chose to bat, a decision they would almost immediately regret after falling to 57-7 in the 16th over.
A 146 run partnership for the eighth wicket from bowlers Michael Rippon (82) and Christi Viljoen (87no) helped them reach a respectable 234-8.
Hamish Bennett starred with the ball for the visitors taking four for 46 off his 10 overs, a spell that included three wickets in four balls.
In reply the Firebirds lost the competition's leading run scorer Andrew Fletcher for just four.
Michael Pollard was run-out for 33 and Devon Conway was bowled for 12.
Left arm wrist-spinner Michael Rippon claimed in-form Jimmy Neesham and Michael Bracewell as the Firebirds fell to 75-5.
It was almost a carbon copy of the first innings with the Firebirds' low order players left to try and win them the game.
Malcolm Nofal (73) and Peter Younghusband (49) restored hope for the Firebirds and fell just short of finishing off the innings themselves.
Wicketkeeper Lachie Johns pitched in with 24 not out off 20 deliveries.
Ollie Newton hit the winning runs with a boundary to claim a famous three wicket win with eight balls to spare.
Newshub.
